November 11/12 16:10 pm - USGP Derby Cup: Day 2 men's results

Posted by Editoress on 11/11/12

Once again sunny skies and unseasonably warm temperatures greeted riders again for day two of the Trek US Grand Prix of Cyclocross presented by Greenware® and WD-40 Bike. All eyes were on Louisville, Kentucky as Eva Bandman Park played host to the third stop on the USGP circuit, offering a preview of the exciting course that awaits the worlds best as the Cyclocross World Championships roll into Louisville in February.

Series leader Jeremy Powers once again asserted his dominance in Louisville, powering away from the field to win solo after separating away from a group that included Cannondale Cyclocrossworld.com's Tim Johnson and the Belgian Ben Berden (Raleigh-Clement).

A lead group of seven riders quickly emerged, and would grow to twelve within the first two laps as Brian Matter (RACC-Geargrinder) drove the chase, towing the chase group that included U23 race leader Zach McDonald (Rapha-Focus) up with him to eventually make contact. U23 series leaders Yannick Eckmann (Cal-Giant/Specialized) dangled off the back, working to defend his series leader's jersey.

Just as the catch was made, Ryan Trebon (Cannondale-Cyclocrossworld.com) went on the attack, with only Berden and Powers able to respond. The three would trade blows for several laps, until Powers made the definitive move, pulling away inside of two laps to go, leaving his breakaway companions behind.

As Powers moved solo off the front, Johnson made an incredible move out of the chase to bridge up to the struggling Trebon and and Berden. The three would briefly ride together until Berden put in a dig with only Johnson able to respond, as Trebon faded to fourth.

Powers soloed to victory, Berden and Johnson hit the stretch of pavement leading to the finish, setting up an exciting sprint to sort out the final two spots on the podium. Berden was first to hit the tarmac, with Johnson unable to respond to the surge, having to settle for third Berden would stand second on the podium. McDonald finished as the top U23, sharing the podium with Eckmann in second and Russ Finsterwald (Trek Cyclocross Collective) in third. Eckmann's second place finish was good enough to hold on to the series leader's jersey, with Powers widening his lead in the Elite field heading into the final stop of the series in Bend, Oregon.